Adjusting of sitting position roadbike

Picture 1: When your leg is slightly stretched, you have found the correct saddle height

Picture 3: Mount the seat post always within area marked

Picture 2: Losen the screws underneath the saddle to adjust saddle position

Picture 4: Use a bubble level to level the saddle

Picture 5: Mount the saddle only within marked area

Picture 6: The knee cap should be parallel to the middle of the pedal cleat

Your position on the bike is crucial to achieve good pedaling efficiency and comfort. The following tips will help you make the adjustments so you can find your optimum position.

Saddle height

The saddle height can be easily altered by adjusting the clamp which holds the seat post in the seat tube. The correct saddle height is achieved when your leg is slightly outstretched with your heel touching the pedal, with cycling shoes on. In order to adjust the saddle height you can either sit on the bike while leaning against a wall or get a helper to hold the bike for you. Picture 1

Saddle position and angle

The saddle can be pushed forwards and backwards horizontally and can also be tilted, backwards or forwards, using the clamp on the seat post. The adjustment on most seat posts is made via bolts on the saddle clamp. Picture 2

Warning: Every seat post has a maximum and minimum extension limit which must not be exceeded. This is marked on the seat post either with an arrow or the word “Maximum” or "Minimum". Picture 3

The basic position is achieved when the saddle padding is perfectly horizontal. To position the saddle perfectly level you can use a spirit level on the top of the saddle. Picture 4
Depending on individual preferences you may adjust the saddle tilt by tilting the forwards. This is to be sometimes recommended to riders who do a lot of climbing, for example up mountain passes.

By adjusting the horizontal position of the saddle you alter the distance between the saddle and the handlebar. When the saddle is positioned further forward, this creates a more comfortable position on the bike for the rider. If you push the saddle further back then your position will be more outstretched, but more aerodynamic and competitive.

Warning: Adjust the saddle only within the marks indicated on the saddle rails. Picture 5

A further considerattion for the correct horizontal position of the saddle is the angle of bend in your knees. If the cranks are exactly horizontal, then there should be a plumb line from your knee cap down through the pedal cleats. In order to test this you’ll need a helper to hold the plumb line for you while you’re sitting on the bike. Picture 6

TIP: The fore-aft position of your cleats also influences your position on the bike; especially the bend angle at your knee. Adjust the cleats in such a way that they are exactly under the ball of your foot. Before fully tightening the cleat bolts locate the ball of your foot with your hand and mark the position using a piece of sticky tape.

Adjust the lateral position of the saddle only within the range indicated (markings on the frame of the saddle). The seat post height should not exceed the extension limit indicated on the seat post. Ensure that all bolts are tightened to the correct torque. The correct torque is indicated on the component itself, in the bike manual provided with your new bike, or here in the Technical Support Center.